Russia’s parliament has taken a significant step towards potentially removing the Taliban from its list of banned “terrorist” organizations.
On Tuesday, December 17, the State Duma passed a bill that would create a legal framework for groups to be removed from this designation.
The move comes as Moscow has been strengthening its ties with the Taliban since the group seized control of Afghanistan in 2021, following the United States’ withdrawal.
The bill, which will now be reviewed by the Federation Council on Friday, sets the stage for a decision that could see the Taliban’s status as a banned organization lifted.
Following the Council’s approval, the bill will be sent to President Vladimir Putin for final signing into law.
While this development signals a potential shift in Russia’s approach to the Taliban, it does not equate to formal recognition of the group’s rule in Afghanistan.
Russia’s relationship with the Taliban remains cautious, with no country officially recognizing the Taliban as the legitimate government of Afghanistan.
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Nonetheless, Moscow has made it clear that it views the Taliban as an important ally in the fight against terrorism.
Earlier this year, President Putin referred to the Taliban as “allies in the fight against terrorism,” and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov called on the West to lift sanctions on Afghanistan and take responsibility for its reconstruction.
The bill’s passage also reflects broader regional trends. Russia’s Central Asian allies, including Kazakhstan, have been growing closer to the Taliban, with Kazakhstan removing the group from its list of banned organizations earlier this year.
This shift in policy towards the Taliban comes amid increasing international isolation for both Russia and Afghanistan.
Since retaking power, the Taliban has imposed a strict interpretation of Islamic law, banning women from public life and drawing widespread criticism from the international community.
Despite this, Russia appears to be prioritizing strategic interests, as it faces its own growing isolation from the West.